James’ Jar of Gifts
James’ Jar of Gifts
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  • OUR GIFTS IN THE UK
  • GIFTS IN KENYA & UGANDA
  • News and events
  • James' Friends
  • Donations
  • Child Bereavement
  • How to help
  • Contact Us
  • More
    • Home
    • OUR GIFTS IN THE UK
    • GIFTS IN KENYA & UGANDA
    • News and events
    • James' Friends
    • Donations
    • Child Bereavement
    • How to help
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • OUR GIFTS IN THE UK
  • GIFTS IN KENYA & UGANDA
  • News and events
  • James' Friends
  • Donations
  • Child Bereavement
  • How to help
  • Contact Us

Our gifts in the UK

 We are delighted to support a number of very worthwhile causes in the UK that align with our vision of no child or young person should be left behind.   Please see below for further details of the support we have given to many worthwhile UK based groups.  

In 2024 we are now raising funds for Equine Therapy for children in Surrey with  trauma (working with Therapeutic Tutors) 

and funding play equipment for Surrey based disabled children using  the facilities at White Lodge in Surrey

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUMMER SCHOOL FOR UKRAINIAN CHILDREN

We are delighted to have been able to provide significant support to a large number of children from Ukraine that have settled in the Surrey area. In Summer 2022 we were the principal funder for an intensive 4-week English language summer in school for children from Ukraine that was held in Leatherhead. A total of 5,600 hours of teaching were provided to 116 children over a 4 week period.

  

  

Aside from being great fun, the summer school helped the children to develop confidence in their English language skills, which in turn helped them to start mainstream school in September 2022.

School holiday days out

  We also funded a number of days out for the children and their families from Ukraine during the school holidays.  These included a day at Littlehampton, a visit to London Zoo and a day at Hampton Court.  

Christmas Gifts

Consistent with JJOG's philosophy of no child ever being left behind, in December 2023 we helped Santa provide Christmas gifts for 144 children from Ukraine that have settled in Surrey.

White Lodge

We are very proud of our association with White Lodge in Chertsey, Surrey whose vision is an inclusive world, regardless of ability.  The ethos of White Lodge fits well with that of James' Jar of Gifts. JJOG have recently funded equipment for a sensory room for disabled youngsters and have contributed funds to the refurbishment of their hydrotherpy pool - a unique; important and much needed facility in Surrey.

    Riding for the Disabled ("RDA")

     We are delighted to have funded the entry of a team of riders from Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association to compete at regional and national equestrian events, as well as the purchase of a bespoke saddle that has been fitted for a new horse.   

    Danesgate Community

     We have funded the purchase of camping and other equipment for 50 children from Danesgate Community School  in York.  These children with significant social, emotional or mental  health needs will now be able to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme allowing them to develop resilience and teamworking skills. 

    Bugzis

    BUGZIS

    RYDER'S STORY

    RYDER'S STORY

     

    A Bugzi is an innovative piece of equipment  that is designed and manufactured as a precursor to a wheelchair for children with severe physical impairments'.  Fully bespoked to the child, it can be adapted as they grow. The large buttons allow the child to power and move the Bugzi.
    A Bugzi gives a child mobility and independence which i

     

    A Bugzi is an innovative piece of equipment  that is designed and manufactured as a precursor to a wheelchair for children with severe physical impairments'.  Fully bespoked to the child, it can be adapted as they grow. The large buttons allow the child to power and move the Bugzi.
    A Bugzi gives a child mobility and independence which in turn allows them access to far more social and educational opportunities.  JJOG believes that no child should ever feel left behind.

    Ryder is 2 years old and lives in Surrey. 
 Ryder was born in perfect health. But post birth jaundic

    RYDER'S STORY

    RYDER'S STORY

    RYDER'S STORY

     

    Ryder is 2 years old and lives in Surrey.  He was born in perfect health but post birth jaundice consumed his tiny body and damaged his brain.  A week after birth his parents were told that Ryder will likely never walk, talk, or be able to do basic things like feed himself or go to the toilet. His needs are great and Ryder's parents are 

     

    Ryder is 2 years old and lives in Surrey.  He was born in perfect health but post birth jaundice consumed his tiny body and damaged his brain.  A week after birth his parents were told that Ryder will likely never walk, talk, or be able to do basic things like feed himself or go to the toilet. His needs are great and Ryder's parents are so loving, brave and with 3 other children to care for... are totally exhausted. 
    As soon as Ryder got in the Bugzi there were squeals of delight and he quickly mastered how to use the buttons. All of this was quite unexpected since some health professionals had previously told the family that there was no way Ryder would engage with the equipment and be able to learn how to use it. He has certainly proved them wrong.
    Ryder can now attend community centre meet ups and interact with other children.. in his own unique way.

    ISA's STORY

    RYDER'S STORY

    ISA's STORY



    Isa is 7 years old and lives in Surrey.  He has an extremely rare condition and research into treatments and cures are  in their infancy and largely experimental.  Isa cannot walk and his speech is limited but he has good understanding of the world around him and can communicate his feelings well.  Isa had tried to use a wheelchair at sch



    Isa is 7 years old and lives in Surrey.  He has an extremely rare condition and research into treatments and cures are  in their infancy and largely experimental.  Isa cannot walk and his speech is limited but he has good understanding of the world around him and can communicate his feelings well.  Isa had tried to use a wheelchair at school but it just led to increasing frustration.  His occupational therapist suggested a Bugzi and as soon as Isa got in, he found it intuitive to use and he was off! His family said this equipment will be life changing.  

    The day Isa got introduced to his very own Bugzi, Isa showed his appreciation to everyone at MERU and JJOG by blowing us lots of kisses.

    Some words from our UK Families:


    Ryder's Dad Hugh:

     We truly appreciate the gift as BUGZI is really helping Ryder. And it’s a big part of his learning and therapy. And it’s a huge motivator to him .Getting around, gives him more confidence and sense of independence. 

    Our sincere gratitude to  James’ Jar Of Gifts for making such a positive foot print in Ryder’s Life



    Thank Yous'

    Thank You letter for the Bugzi is shown opposite

    A wonderful thank you note received...

    Thank yous' for the English Language Summer School

    "I am very grateful for the warm welcome in your country at such a tragic time for us, and for the organisation of our studies, trips and meetings.  We are very grateful to you (we know how much effort and time you need to spend on this). When the war ends, we invite you to Ukraine, we will show you our incredible, beautiful, courageous, free country. Slava Ukraine!"  


     'Thank you, great people. We feel your help and support every minute. We appreciate all what you are doing. Thanks for opening your hearts for us'. 

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    Reg Charity No. 1182004